Zimbabwe faces an urgent challenge as pandemic-era school closures and economic strain fueled a 60% spike in unplanned pregnancies among girls under 18, derailing education goals for a generation. With classrooms shuttered for months, limited access to sexual health resources and rising poverty created what UNICEF calls \"a perfect storm\" for vulnerable adolescents.
Despite lifting bans on pregnant students attending school in 2020, fewer than 30% return due to \"double trauma\" – struggling with both societal stigma and economic barriers. \"Girls face bullying from peers while worrying about affording baby supplies,\" explains Harare-based educator Tendai Moyo. Cultural norms prioritizing marriage over education compound the crisis, with some families pressuring teens into unions for financial survival.
The government's Back-to-School initiative now confronts logistical hurdles and entrenched attitudes. While mobile clinics provide prenatal support, advocates urge holistic solutions: \"We need diaper banks alongside textbooks,\" says youth activist Rumbidzai Chidemo. Global organizations are piloting mentorship programs to combat stigma, but progress remains uneven in rural areas.
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Rising teen pregnancy complicates Zimbabwe push to return to schools
cgtn.com
